Nottingham Forest Complete Record Signing of Dilane Bakwa from RC Strasbourg

Nottingham Forest have signed Dilane Bakwa from RC Strasbourg for €35 million. This is a record deal for the French club. Bakwa, a 23-year-old winger, has agreed to a five-year contract. He is expected to improve Forest’s attack as they aim to do better in the Premier League.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Bakwa‘s signing was completed on September 1, 2025. It is one of the biggest moves of the summer transfer window. Last season, Bakwa was a key player for Strasbourg in Ligue 1. He started 29 out of 30 games, scored six goals, and provided eight assists. In his two seasons at Strasbourg, he contributed 11 goals and 20 assists. Known for his quick feet and creativity, Bakwa fits Forest‘s strategy of signing young and dynamic players. He is likely to start as a rotational player but could become a regular starter as he settles into Premier League football.

BIGGER PICTURE FOR FOREST AND STRASBOURG

Nottingham Forest are trying to make their squad stronger after finishing in the European spots last season, in 7th, qualifying for the Conference League. Along with Bakwa, the club has signed Omari Hutchinson and Dan Ndoye and brought in Oleksandr Zinchenko on loan. Bakwa’s transfer highlights the club’s investment in boosting their attacking options. For Strasbourg, they finished 7th in Ligue 1 in the previous season as they aim to improve on their 7th place finish and qualify for European competitions again. The €35 million from Bakwa’s sale gives them significant funds to enhance their squad for a better finish this season.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Bakwa is expected to make his Nottingham Forest debut in their next Premier League match against Arsenal, who are currently 3rd in the standings. Forest are 10th, just two points behind Arsenal. A strong performance from Bakwa could help him secure a regular place in Nuno Espirito Santo’s starting lineup. Meanwhile, Strasbourg will need to quickly find a replacement for Bakwa as they face Le Havre in two weeks. Both clubs have a lot at stake, with Forest hoping new signings like Bakwa will help them climb the table and stay in the league.